Hydroelectricity and Climate Change

You can’t pick up the newspaper or turn on the TV these days without hearing about how burning fossil fuels to generate electricity impacts our climate. 

As a PUD customer, the majority of the electricity you buy doesn’t come from fossil fuels. We’re fortunate to have a local, renewable and non-polluting resource to rely on - hydropower.

In 2006, 85% of the electricity the PUD purchased was generated by hydroelectric dams.  Another 10% came from nuclear power and 0.5% came from wind energy.  Only 4.5% was generated by coal and natural gas-fired plants - the types of power plants that add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

While you can feel good about the fact that the electricity you use comes from renewable resources,  there is much more you can do to help fight global warming.  Using less electricity and supporting the development of more renewable energy resources are two great alternatives.

We can help.  Our Energy Experts have many programs and services to help you use energy wisely.  Find out more about our efficiency programs for your home or your business.

Through our Choice Energy Program, you can buy all or some of the energy you use from wind farms in Eastern Oregon.  Learn more about wind power.